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Mahogany chatted with Ashley–Nicole Grosse, founder of Birthing Bare, to find out more about her brand that centers and celebrates safe natural births for Black women, and her forthcoming book, Birthing Bare Homebirth: Why Every Black Woman Needs to Consider It (2024).

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What was your inspiration for starting this brand?

My inspiration for writing Birthing Bare: Bare Homebirth came from a place of deep love, personal experience, and a desire to empower other women, especially Black women, on their birthing journeys.

As a mother blessed to experience four natural births—three of them at home on my dining room floor, and one beautiful water birth in a hospital—I’ve felt firsthand the transformative power of childbirth. Each of these experiences was profoundly beautiful and empowering, shaping me not just as a mother, but as a woman. It made me realize how crucial it is for every expectant mother to have access to such support.

With Birthing Bare, I wanted to share my experiences and the wisdom I’ve gathered to help other women, particularly those considering natural birth.

What do you hope Black women will feel/experience when they read Birthing Bare?

Every woman deserves a birth experience that aligns with her wishes, values, and cultural heritage. Birthing Bare will help you explore your options and empower you to design the birth you truly desire and deserve.

How does it feel to receive support and encouragement from our community? 

Receiving support and encouragement from our community during pregnancy and childbirth is truly transformational.

The embrace of a supportive community can feel like a warm, comforting hug that gives you strength when you need it most. It’s like having a circle of sisters cheering you on, believing in you even when doubts creep in. This support can make you feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as an expectant mother, but as a whole person.

I felt called to create the #birthingbareloveclub as a space designed to be a nurturing haven where expecting mothers can find the encouragement, knowledge, and sisterhood they deserve.

Who in your life encourages and empowers you the most? 

The people who encourage and empower me the most are a beautiful blend of family, friends, and community, with my husband playing a central role in this support system.

My husband is my rock, my partner in life and parenthood. His unwavering belief in me, his constant support, and his willingness to stand beside me through every challenge and triumph have been transformative. He empowers me daily with his love, understanding, and commitment to our shared journey.

Alongside him, the incredible Black women in my life—my sisters, both by blood and in spirit—are a powerful source of encouragement. Their strength and resilience inspire me constantly.

What advice would you give to a sister who wants to start her own business? 

As you start your business journey, remember this: Build a strong support system of people who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Seek out mentors and fellow Black women entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and relate to your unique experiences.

Surround yourself with competent individuals in areas where you might need help— like finance, marketing, or legal advice. Their expertise can be invaluable when navigating complex business decisions.

Remember, business has its highs and lows. A support system that understands these challenges will celebrate your wins, help you problem-solve, and remind you of your worth during tough times.

Here at Mahogany, we’re motivated by purpose, faith, and community to celebrate Blackness 24/7. How do you celebrate yours? 

Celebrating my Blackness is a beautiful, ongoing journey that’s woven into my daily life. It’s not just about grand gestures or specific dates on the calendar—it’s about embracing and honoring our rich heritage in the small, everyday moments.

I find immense joy and purpose in sharing our history with my children. Each day brings new opportunities to connect them to their roots, whether through the stories we read, the music we listen to, or the conversations we have around the dinner table.

This daily celebration isn’t just for my children—t’s for me too. It’s in the way I carry myself, the choices I make, and the love I show for my community. It’s in the support I offer to Black-owned businesses and the way I uplift other Black voices. This ongoing celebration is my way of honoring our past, embracing our present, and shaping our future.

Anything else you want readers to know about you and your business?     

I’d love for readers to know that my journey to empowering mothers is deeply personal and multifaceted.

My unexpected experiences with homebirth transformed my life, inspiring me to support women in various birth settings, including hospitals. This led to the creation of our Tahda Baby App which connects families with aligned fertility and birthing practitioners.

My book, Birthing Bare, along with our other initiatives, stems from a heartfelt desire to empower women in their birthing journeys.

Beyond birth advocacy, I homeschooled for three years and have a 20-year background in entertainment production, working with icons like Diana Ross and Beyoncé.

Sharing my birth stories on social media revealed a hunger for authentic experiences, reinforcing my commitment to this work.

Through all these avenues, I aim to create a world where every mother feels supported, informed, and confident. Your journey matters, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.